SANBS battles strained blood stocks
Blood group O and B individuals can make the biggest, immediate difference to the situation faced by SANBS.
The state of the nation’s blood stocks is significantly low and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urgently calls on the community to give blood, to help meet the heightened demand.
Thandi Mosupaye, SANBS senior manager in the Marketing, Communication and Brand Unit said; “We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals across the country. The nation’s blood stocks are strained, necessitating our appeal for increased donations in aid of those who may need transfusions during this period.
Mosupaye said that the blood stock levels have stuck around below three days’ supply over a prolonged period and to avoid reaching critically low levels, SANBS needs; active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors to boost the national blood stocks.
“We commend the donors who remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives. Right now, we need all the help we can get – from current and potential donors. Blood group O and B individuals can make the biggest, immediate difference to the situation we face right now. Moreover, we ask South Africans to become regular donors. By donating blood, we can easily maintain safe stock levels throughout the year,” Mosupaye concluded.
She added that SANBS runs blood drives across the country throughout the week and urged the public to participate.
Everyone who is ready and willing to roll up their sleeves can find out more about where they can donate blood by visiting www.sanbs.org.za, by calling 0800 11 90 31, or by visiting @theSANBS on all major social media platforms. To be eligible to donate blood, you have to be between 16- and 75-year-old and weight more than 50kg.
Mosupye said schools are also encouraged to run blood drives on behalf of SANBS to help.
Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate today.
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